Cody Gakpo strutted into the spotlight after scoring a stunning goal for Liverpool in their emphatic win over Leicester City.
The festive cheer continued for the Reds as they completed a convincing victory on Boxing Day, cementing their position at the top of the Premier League. The feeling of impending triumph was palpable; you could almost hear the mantra echoing around Anfield: “We are destined to lift the trophy, and we all know it!”
Even before the whistle blew, Liverpool’s confidence was reaching dizzying heights. The boxing day had gone magnificently for them, with Manchester City stumbling once again, Chelsea faltering thanks to a last-minute goal from Fulham, and Manchester United suffering their fifth defeat in ten games under their new manager— a result which, although unrelated to Liverpool’s title ambitions, provided plenty to amuse the Anfield supporters before the match. The icing on the cake? Bruno Fernandes’ red card—an exasperated fan shouted, “What a day for football!”
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Jokes were rife in Liverpool’s WhatsApp group, with one jovial supporter mischievously posting: “Great results in the Premier League today!” accompanied by a wide-eyed emoji that certainly left rival supporters stunned. It was clear that no one expected a misstep from the Reds against one of the lowest ranked teams in the league, and everyone secretly desired a graceful miracle just to give them an offensive comeback: “Nothing more delicious than that!” Alas, luck was not on their side.
The atmosphere at Anfield turned strange when Leicester shocked everyone by taking an early lead. Stephy Mavididi delivered a magnificent cross to Jordan Ayew who, with keen precision and a slight deflection from Virgil van Dijk, found the back of Alisson’s net. The collective sigh from the stands echoed—”What’s going on? Don’t they know it’s our day?”
As the match progressed, Slot’s side bombarded the Liverpool box with 27 crosses in the 35th minute but managed only one shot on target. The fan base wavered between frustration and disbelief, wondering why Liverpool couldn’t knock out Leicester with the contempt their league position warranted.
Although Liverpool had the majority of possession, Leicester were a sneaky threat, almost able to break through on several occasions with a little more precision in their passing. The groans of the Anfield supporters formed a soundtrack of shared anxiety.
But just as worries began to mount, Cody Gakpo delivered a moment of magic: a beautifully curled shot that curled into the opposite corner of the net. Without the assurance of being four points ahead with a game in hand, it felt eerily similar to those times when the home crowds turn on their team at half-time. It was a strange set of circumstances.
James Justin was left behind as Gakpo expertly navigated around him with his excellent shot, earning him the Man of the Match award for a performance that left previously sidelined Mohamed Salah in his shadow.
Salah also finally scored with a signature shot—a subtle deflection and a precise shot into the corner—prepared impeccably by Gakpo, who passed two Leicester players before finding the Egyptian magician unmarked.
Before that goal arrived, Curtis Jones had opened the scoring with a slick finish, an uncontrolled shot off an Alexis Mac Allister cross, showing renewed attacking resolve as Slot’s men piled on the pressure.
From that moment on, the outcome was never in doubt. Liverpool players and supporters exuded enormous confidence, and even Arne Slot had to recognize his team’s resilience. With a squad brimming with talent, particularly in the offensive ranks, this well-oiled machine is relentless. Even if a star has an off day, there’s always another ready to shine—this time, it was Cody Gakpo’s turn to shine.
Anticipation for a potential shock continues to diminish as Liverpool’s rush continues. The longer this title hunt goes on, the more it seems Liverpool can overcome any adversity, even personnel setbacks. The art of winning has become second nature; everything underneath seems completely alien. It’s clear they’re on the path to victory, right?
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